DHX Media chairman and CEO Michael Donovan, Paperny Entertainment president David Paperny and Screen Siren Pictures president and producer Trish Dolman are among the industry heavyweights appointed to the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s newly created National Advisory Council, announced Tuesday.

The announcement comes as the organization continues to reform its structure and strategy.

That includes the Academy’s board of national industry reps last July being replaced by a new and smaller board of Toronto players in an effort to bring the Academy back from the brink.

Word of a national advisory council came last November at the ACCT’s annual general meeting.

“As we usher in the changes suggested by Academy Members, the National Advisory Council will ensure that all regions of Canada are fairly represented,” said ACCT CEO Helga Stephenson in a statement.

“The scope of our new National Advisory Council reflects the Academy’s diversity of voices across the country and will be an integral part of our ongoing strategic planning as this organization continues its massive change,” she added.

ACCT chair and Prospero Pictures president Martin Katz will chair the council and represent the Ontario region.

Also on the council are Take the Shot Productions partner Rob Blackie (NL), Buffalo Gal Pictures president Phyllis Laing (MB), Opinion Libre Inc. consultant Charles Ohayon (QC), Cinemaginaire President and producer Denise Robert and TIFF Bell Lightbox head of film programmes Jesse Wente (ON).

Paperny, Dolman and dimeRocker/Cinecoup CEO J. Joly will represent B.C.

The council, appointed by the ACCT board, is effective immediately.